Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer which attacks the sac, or lining, that covers the body's internal organs. In the chest this sac is called the pleura, on the abdominal cavity, it is the peritoneum, and on the heart, the pericardium. There are about 2200 cases a year and this number is rising. Survival rates from time of diagnosis to death are from 4 to 18 months.
What causes mesothelioma?
The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, although a few cases with no exposure exist. The time from exposure to asbestos to getting cancer is from 30 to 40 years. Exposure of only two to three months may cause mesothelioma and family members may also contract it. Although the number of cases is rising, these will peak in 2020 and then decline because people are no longer exposed to asbestos.
What is the treatment?
The patient must decide whether to choose an aggressive treatment or only control of symptoms. The standard treatment--surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are not very effective. There are some newer chemotherapies which show some promise. An intriguing study done in Italy seems to show that Celebrex, an arthritis drug, extends life, at least among mice.
Symptoms may include pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite gastrointestinal problems, skin problems, anxiety/depression. These symptoms can be controlled or at least alleviated. Pain, the most dreaded symptom can be treated very effectively using the World Health Organization's analgesic ladder, which uses various levels of medication according to the severity of pain.
The patient may experience emotional problems such as anxiety/depression and these are treated with counseling and medication. Family members may also suffer from these problems and they need to be treated as well.
Is there any legal recourse?
There are a few law firms which specialize in getting compensation for victims of mesothelomia or their families.